China to Help Develop Sri Lanka’s Coconut Industry

The Chinese government has agreed to provide assistance to develop Sri Lanka’s coconut industry, according to the Ministry of Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development.

During a meeting with the Minister of Coconut Development and Janatha Estate Development Jagath Pushpakumara at the Ministry on Friday [Dec 21] the Chinese Ambassador to Colombo Wu Jianghao has agreed to offer assistance to develop the country’s coconut-based products and enhance the exports of coconut-based products to China.

The discussion between the Minister and the Ambassador has covered the steps to be taken to improve trading activities pertaining to coconut production sector while narrowing the trading gap between the two countries.

Minister Pushpakumara has apprised the Chinese Ambassador of the problems Sri Lankan exporters of coconut based products face when exporting their products to China and requested the envoy to consider extending the tax exemptions, granted to other Asian countries, to Sri Lankan exporters as well.

The Ambassador has said that there is a big demand in Chinese market, especially for coconut coir and fiber based products and activated carbon.

During the discussion, the two sides have reached an agreement to take up the Minister’s proposal at the Joint Commission Meeting to be held in January, next year. A further discussion between the Chinese Trade Counselor and the Ministry officials is proposed to be held today [Dec 24].

The Minister and the Chinese Ambassador have also discussed a Technology Transfer Programme and the Ambassador has agreed to provide an opportunity for Sri Lankan coconut growers representing Kapruka Committees to participate in an observation tour in China to acquire technological knowledge in this field.